The Classic: The Stanley Thermos

Invented in 1913, the Stanley thermos, which evokes an era when women sent their men to work with soup and a sandwich, is one of those often-overlooked design treasures. But the green steel bottle that American fighter pilots carried during World War II is as stylish as ever. Yes, it's great for carrying coffee, but since it can keep liquids cold as well as hot it's just as useful for transporting margaritas. ($32, stanley-pmi.com) Monica Khemsurov